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Anisotropic Micro/Nanotopography Regulating Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cardiomyocytes
Yan Liu1,2, Bingcheng Yi3, Liangliang Yang4
1Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Biomaterial surface topography influences cardiomyocyte mitochondria. Specific micro/nano-wrinkled surfaces disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism, offering insights for cardiovascular disease treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Topographical cues on biomaterial scaffolds influence cell behavior through integrin ligation and mechanotransduction.
- The impact of topographical cues on organelle behavior, specifically mitochondria in cardiomyocytes, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of oriented micro/nano-wrinkled surfaces with varying wavelengths and amplitudes on cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying topographical influence on mitochondrial dynamics and homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rat embryonic myocardial cell line H9c2 cultured on micro/nano-wrinkled surfaces (0.5–25.0 μm wavelength, 0.05–4.30 μm amplitude).
- Assessed cell morphology, mitochondrial division, energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and AMPK pathway activation.
- Performed transcriptomic analysis to identify key signaling pathways involved.
Main Results:
- Surface topography elicited a nonlinear response in cardiomyocyte behavior and mitochondrial homeostasis.
- A 3-μm wavelength/0.7-μm amplitude surface promoted cell elongation and orientation.
- A 0.5-μm wavelength/0.05-μm amplitude surface induced significant mitochondrial division via cytoskeletal remodeling, disrupting energy metabolism, increasing ROS, and activating the AMPK pathway.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed the involvement of p53, FoxO, mTOR, HIF-1, and AMPK signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Aligned micro/nano topographical stimuli significantly impact mitochondrial dynamics and homeostasis in cardiomyocytes.
- Specific topographical features can disrupt mitochondrial function, offering potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for developing advanced biomaterial-based strategies for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment.
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